Monday, May 30 marked the 154th Memorial Day, a day to honor and remember those who gave their lives in service to the United States of America. Originally in recognition of soldiers killed during the Civil War, the observance of the holiday continued, as did the loss of the lives of soldiers fighting to keep America free.
At 11 a.m. a large group gathered at the Salem VFW Post 9777 to commemorate.
The ceremony opened with prayer and posting of the colors followed by the reading of the names of every Fulton County military personnel killed in each war or conflict.
As the names were read, a bell was rung in symbolism of tolling the bell and driving deeper the somber nature of the circumstances.
Hazelle Whited was the guest speaker and opened her address with an excerpt from Flanders Fields by Lt. Col John McCrae.
“In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below,” Whited read. “We are the Dead. Short days ago, We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.”
Whited explained the poem was written after McCrae, who was serving as a doctor in WWI, was attending to wounded many of which turned to fatalities.
While looking at the landscape, McCrae took note of a field of red poppies and the reminder that in the midst of beauty, a heavy price was paid to defend the rights of Americans.
Although not a veteran herself, Whited said she had the utmost respect for those who serve their county and had recently attended an event in Mountain Home.
“I was able to board the Wreaths Across America mobile unit and witness a welcome home ceremony to about 20 Vietnam era veterans that were once shunned and made to feel ashamed about their service to the United States. I was moved to see them finally welcomed home. It was there I saw the three points that best captures what we can do to honor those that have died in service,” Whited said.
She expanded on her points, but stated remembering, honoring, and ensuring future generations were taught the price and value of freedom.
“It is our responsibility to teach our children the value of freedom. I am so thankful to the VFW and our school districts for joining together to instill a sense of patriotism in our children. Through programs and opportunities like the Patriotic Art Contest, Patriotic Pen youth essay contest, and the National
Anthem singing contest, our youth get a chance to share through their eyes what it means to be an American. What it means to be patriotic. What freedom means to them,” Whited said.
She went on to thank parents and said through them, hope is born.
“Parents, thank you for taking your children to events like this, to visit Veteran’s Memorial parks throughout our cities, for some, becoming United States Citizens and for all, leading the example of the importance of defending our country,” Whited said. “It is through you that we can hope for generations to come a future for our great country that will once again honor God, the Constitution, and all that we hold dear…show how much we remember those no longer with us wherever we are. Let us be a reminder that they will not be forgotten.”
Following her speech, a 21-gun salute, prayer and retiring of the colors were held and guests were welcomed into the post home to reminisce and eat.
Lauren is a an award-winning journalist who decided after 10 years of newspaper experience to venture out. Hallmark Times was born.
